In a world where technological advancements and environmental transformations are accelerating, space has become more than just a domain for scientific research or technical development. It has evolved into a strategic resource and a key driver of international cooperation and the building of knowledge-based economies rooted in innovation. From this perspective, space diplomacy can be understood as an effective tool for reshaping the future of the world and enhancing the positioning of ambitious nations within the international system.
During my participation in the COP29 Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, it became evident that space sustainability is no longer a marginal topic but rather an integral part of the global sustainability agenda. Baku was not merely a meeting point for discussions but an international platform reflecting an increasing global awareness that the future of our planet is closely linked to what happens in space.
At the conference, I launched the Commonwealth Space Sustainability Initiative, which I had the honor of leading as the Special Envoy for Science and Technology to the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. This initiative, encompassing 56 countries, goes beyond theoretical frameworks to offer practical solutions for addressing space debris, such as developing safe technologies for orbital debris removal and reducing its environmental risks. These efforts have received widespread global support, including adoption by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), as essential steps towards achieving space sustainability and ensuring it remains a vital resource for humanity.
Space debris is not merely a crisis confined to the realm of space but has become a global environmental threat with severe implications. Studies indicate that more than 36,000 pieces of space debris orbit the Earth at speeds of up to 28,000 kilometers per hour. This increasing volume poses a real danger to satellite systems on which the world depends for communication and navigation. Additionally, some of this debris falls randomly to Earth, causing environmental and human damage, as seen in 2022 when parts of a rocket caused significant harm to a village in Côte d’Ivoire.
The risks do not end there. The partial combustion of this debris results in the emission of toxic gases that exacerbate climate change and degrade the ozone layer.
Space technology diplomacy serves as a gateway to the knowledge economy. Through it, nations can not only utilize space as a scientific platform but also transform it into a strategic economic resource. Fields such as space mining, which enables the extraction of rare resources, and advanced communication technologies present promising opportunities for building sustainable knowledge economies.
In this context, I believe that Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious vision and strategic transformations, may find investment in space research and technologies a golden opportunity to expand the horizons of its knowledge economy. Space represents a multifaceted resource that can accelerate economic transformation, moving away from a sole reliance on traditional resources. Investment in this field not only supports innovation but also positions the Kingdom at the forefront of nations keeping pace with global shifts in future economies.
Space sustainability is not only a responsibility of governments and institutions but also a global commitment that reflects awareness of the importance of international cooperation to ensure the fair and responsible use of this shared resource. The guidelines developed by the United Nations for managing space debris represent a model to build upon, provided nations commit to implementing and supporting them with innovative technologies.
The absence of such commitment could lead to future conflicts over the exploitation of space resources, making space diplomacy a vital tool to avoid these challenges and ensure the continuity of innovation and exploration.
In conclusion, it is evident that space is no longer merely a field for scientific exploration but has become a platform for building sustainable economies and enhancing international cooperation. From the COP29 conference to the visions of ambitious nations, space can symbolize a strategic vision that combines innovation and the knowledge economy to achieve a better future.
Having spent years studying the economic and strategic dimensions of space, I see that nations aspiring to enhance their status among others, like Saudi Arabia, may find in space investment, research, and technologies a gateway to achieving qualitative transformations in their economies. Space, with its technologies and opportunities, is not merely a future option but a necessity that opens ambitious nations to a more diverse and sustainable global economy. It supports their aspirations for leadership and innovation in a rapidly changing world. And the discussion continues.
Al Riyadh
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